Talking with Andy Kim Monday afternoon, the conversation turned — as conversations with Kim always do — to Sugar, Sugar.

Kim co-wrote that catchy tune with noted New York City writer-producer Jeff Barry, and it hit No. 1 on the U.S. pop charts in 1969 via none other than cartoon band the Archies.

Kim, who was born and raised in Montreal, was chatting about how his year has been going. In February he released the album It’s Decided, co-written and co-produced by Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene fame.

“It’s kind of been a surreal year for me,” Kim said on the phone from Toronto, where he’s in rehearsals for the 11th edition of his Christmas show in that city.

The Toronto concert is Wednesday at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. After that, Kim pulls into Montreal for the second edition of his Christmas show here, Saturday at the Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre, featuring Sam Roberts, Michel Pagliaro, Ron Sexsmith, Stars, Drew, Brendan Canning and AroarA.

On Monday it was announced that the all-star soirée will also include Martha Wainwright, fresh off the McGarrigle/Wainwright family’s Noël Nights shows at the Maison symphonique on the weekend.

The launch of It’s Decided helped Kim snare a gig performing on the Late Show With David Letterman in the spring, shortly before the legendary host retired.

When that performance came up, that’s when we started talking Sugar, Sugar. Shortly after the Letterman appearance, Kim played the song in L.A. in April, at a show marking the 60th anniversary of Allen Ginsberg’s classic poem Howl, and Courtney Love appeared on stage to sing it with him.

“She knew the song,” said Kim.

Kim spent some time with Ziggy Marley when the reggae singer was in Toronto last year, and they talked about the fact that Ziggy’s dad, Bob Marley, had recorded a skanking take on Sugar, Sugar.

It was on the 1977 Ike and Tina Turner album Delilah’s Power. Wilson Pickett also had a hit with Sugar, Sugar in 1970.

“You know it always comes down to the song,” says Kim. “I really believe that’s the foundation of everything. Obviously, you want to do a great performance. But (it’s fantastic) to have that kind of song that seems to be timeless. There’s a great quote from Lou Reed, who said he wished he could have written a song like that.”

Kim will perform Sugar, Sugar Saturday at the Corona, but it’s not going to be the finale with everyone on stage. That will be Rock Me Gently, which was a huge hit for him in 1974.

Born Andrew Youakim, Kim was the third of four sons of Lebanese immigrants and grew up near Jarry Park. His two surviving brothers will be at the concert Saturday.

“Montreal has always been a huge part of me,” he said. “My mom and dad and one of my brothers are buried in Montreal. To me, it’s not only where I grew up — it’s a sacred place. Those spirits in my life travel with me everywhere, but something else happens in Montreal, because it’s home. No matter where I go, I’m still the kid from Montreal.”

Kim is excited to have so many Montreal musicians in the lineup for Saturday’s show, giving a taste of the city’s happening music milieu.

“When I originally had this dream of being part of the musical landscape as a kid, Montreal was kind of like an outpost,” he said. “I’m totally blown away by the fact that there’s such incredible talent (in Montreal now).”

AT A GLANCE

The Andy Kim Christmas show takes place Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre, 2490 Notre-Dame St. W. Tickets cost $27, $32 the day of the show. Proceeds go to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. Call 514-790-2525 or visit evenko.ca.

This Week's Flyers

Comments

Postmedia is pleased to bring you a new commenting experience. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.